
THE P 



Successful Rural Plays 

A Strong List From Which to Select Your 
Next Play 

FARM FOLKS. A Rural Play in Four Acts, by Arthur 
Lewis Tubes. For five male and six female characters. Time 
of playing, two hours and a half. One simple exterior, two 
easy interior scenes. Costumes, modern. Flora Goodwin, a 
farmer's daughter, is engaged to Philip Burleigh, a young New 
Yorker. Philip's mother wants him to marry a society woman, 
and by falsehoods makes Flora believe Philip does not love her. 
Dave Weston, who wants Flora himself, helps the deception by 
intercepting a letter from Philip to Flora. She agrees to marry 
Dave, but on the eve of their marriage Dave confesses, Philip 
learns the truth, and he and Flora are reunited. It is a simple 
plot, but full of speeches and situations that sway an audience 
alternately to tears and to laughter. Price, 25 cents. 

HOME TIES. A Rural Play in Four Acts, by Arthur 
Lewis Tubes. Characters, four male, five female. Plays two 
hours and a half. Scene, a simple interior — same for all four 
acts. Costumes, modern. One of the strongest plays Mr. Tubbs 
has written. Martin Winn's wife left him when his daughter 
Ruth was a baby. Harold Vincent, the nephew and adopted son 
of the man who has wronged Martin, makes love to Ruth Winn. 
She is also loved by Len Everett, a prosperous young farmer. 
When Martin discovers who Harold is, he orders him to leave 
Ruth. Harold, who does not love sincerely, yields. Ruth dis- 
covers she loves Len, but thinks she has lost him also. Then 
he comes back, and Ruth finds her happiness. Price 25 cents. 

THE OLD NEAV HAMPSHIRE HOME. A New 

England Drama in Three Acts, by Frank Dumont. For seven 
males and four females. Time, two hours and a half. Costumes, 
modern. A play with a strong heart interest and pathos, yet rich 
in humor. Easy to act and very effective. A rural drama of 
the "Old Homstead" and "Way Down East" type. Two ex- 
terior scenes, one interior, all easy to set. Full of strong sit- 
uations and delightfully humorous passages. The kind of a play 
everybody understands and likes. Price, 25 cents. 

THE OLD DAIRY HOMESTEAD. A Rural Comedy 
in Three Acts, by Frank Dumont. For five males and four 
females. Time, two hours. Rural costumes. Scenes rural ex- 
terior and interior. An adventurer obtains a large sum of money 
from a farm house through the intimidation of the farmer's 
niece, whose husband he claims to be. Her escapes from the 
wiles of the villain and his female accomplice are both starting 
and novel. Price, 15 cents. 

A -WHITE MOUNTAIN BOY. A Strong Melodrama in 
Fi\'e Acts, by Charles Townsend. For seven males and four 
females, and three supers. Time, two hours and twenty minutes. 
One exterior, three interiors. Costumes easy. The hero, a 
country lad, twice saves the life of a banker's daughter, which 
results in their betrothal. A scoundrelly clerk has the banker 
in his power, but the White Mountain boy finds a way to check- 
mate his schemes, saves the banker, and wins the girl. Price 
15 cents. 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



A Rumpus on Olympus 



By 
MABEL H. CRANE 




PHILADELPHIA 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

i9'5 







Copyright 191 5 by The Penn Publishing Company 



A Rumpus on Olympus 

.27 1915 

D 41323 



A Rumpus on Olympus 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Juno ...... Queen of Olympus 

Minerva 

Hebe 

Venus \ , , . goddesses in Juno's court 

Terpsichore 

Diana 

Mrs. Gordon Towne-Louden . a woman of the world 

Katrina ....... her aviatress 

Other goddesses as desired. 

Time : — Twenty-five minutes. 



STORY OF THE PLAY 

Juno, Queen of Heaven, is holding an indignation meet- 
ing with her ladies. Her husband, Jupiter, seems to like 
the ladies of Earth better than the goddesses, including his 
wife. Just at this moment the airship of Mrs. Gordon 
Towne-Louden breaks down on her way to a reception, and 
she descends upon Olympus for repairs. The goddesses are 
surprised to find themselves snubbed as " not in our setr. " 
The earth lady shows, however, that she knows a thing or 
two about managing men. The goddesses listen eagerly to 
her suggestions on hats and gowns, language and manners. 
''Let the men have all the opinions. Don't quarrel with 
your husband. It's bad form, really." She shows them 
the latest fashions in a magazine. "Earth, it seems, has 
much to teach us." Finally, Mrs. Towne-Louden takes 
Juno off in her airship to visit Earth and to learn the secrets 
of the earth ladies. 



PROPERTIES 

Card and lorgnette for Mrs. Gordon Towne-Louden, a 
brass bowl or urn, a large woman's magazine. 



COSTUMES, ETC. 

The goddesses wear robes of cheese-cloth, in various har- 
monious colors, and draped about them in Greek fashion. 
Pictures to be found in encyclopedias under " Greek Cos- 
tumes " or in dictionaries will assist in designing the cos- 
tumes. 

Mrs. Gordon Towne-Louden is dressed extravagantly 
in the height of fashion, and carries a lorgnette. Katrina 
wears full bloomers, a long coat, cap and goggles. 

SCENE PLOT 



O SCAT 




SCENE. — Olympus. Wall in rear hung with blue 
cheese-cloth ; floor covered with blue cloth ; two wings, R. 
and L., made of white cheese-cloth to suggest clouds, hung 
down from the ceiling, or, if possible, looped in folds. If 
this is not feasible, have doors r. and l. White cheese- 
cloth, similarly looped, may extend across the top of the 
stage front, thus framing the blue background with white. 
Throne, up L., is a large chair on a platform draped with 
white cheese-cloth. Low seat, down r., also draped. 



A Rumpus on Olympus 



SCENE. — Olympus, home of the gods. Blue background, 
with 7vhite cotton clouds. Wings of white cheese-cloth 
hung in looped folds. Up i.. ct throne. See Scene Plot. 

(^Curtain discloses up c. Minerva, Venus, Diana. They 
eagerly 7vaich Terpsichore, down c. , as she tries to catch 
and execute a moder?i dance step. They make feeble at- 
tempts to imitate her.) 

Venus {throwing herself on steps of throne^. Oh, I 
can't get it at all. 

Terpsichore. Look, it was something like this. 

{Tries step as before, but awkivardly.) 

Minerva {stopping atid looking severely at Terpsichore). 
You call that dancing? And you are Terpsichore, goddess 
of dancing ! 

Diana {trying the step). You saw him doing it thus? 
And thus? 

Terpsichore {with an angry look at Minerva, r.). I 
tell you I saw great Jove himself doing it — as 1 showed you. 

Minerva {going up c). And he has just returned from 
earth. It is some strange, new mischief he has picked up 

from earth's senseless daughters. Why, I {She stops 

and looks R. as loud screams are heard off r.) Hebe ! 
My child — what is the matter? {Goes R.) 

Hebe {running in r, sobbing, her hand to her head). 
Oh, oh, oh ! 

Others {gathering around her and leading her dozvn c. ). 
What is the matter ? Hebe, speak ! 

Hebe {sobbing). Oh, she — boxed — my — ears ! 

Others. Juno ? 

Hebe {sobbing). Juno ! And I — wasn't doing anything 
wrong. 



6 A RUMPUS ON OLYMPUS 

Minerva. There, child — tell us. What were you doing ? 

Hebe. It was great Jupiter himself 

Others {to each other y ivith an air of I-told-you-so'). 
Ah, great Jupiter himself. Go on, child. 

Hebe. He was showing me a new dance step. 

Terpsichore. Ah ! A new dance step. Was it like 
this? {Takes steps . ) 

Hebe {brightening a little^. Yes — can you do it too, 
Terpsichore? He learned it of the daughters of earth. 

Minerva {gloomily). What did I tell you ? Well — 
go on. 

Hebe. And Juno came upon it as we danced — and she — 
oh, but she was angry. 

Venus. Oh, what sirens are these daughters of earth ! 
How they lead even the gods astray ! And then she struck 
you? And what did great Jupiter? 

Hebe. Oh, he only laughed and fled. 

Minerva. How like a man ! Beware how you pro- 
voke her, Hebe. Since Jupiter has taken to visiting earth 
Olympus is in a turmoil. So she boxed your ears ? 

[Enter JUNO, r.) 

Juno. Yes — as I will yours, Minerva, under like provo- 
cation. 

Others {bo7ving before her"). Majesty ! 

Juno {moving to throne up l. and seating herself). 
These strange earth customs have bewitched great Jove. I 
will not have you practice them. You hear me? 

Others {bowing). Majesty ! 

Minerva. Is there no way to break this foul enchant- 
ment ? 

Juno {gloomily). I know of none. 

Venus {smiling, with graceful, alluring gestures). Oh, 
there are ways. There are ways. 

Juno. Vanity ! The daughters of earth have out- 
stripped thee, Venus. 

Venus. How so ? 

Juno {bitterly). They have charms you know not of. 

Venus. Impossible ! 

Juno. It is true. They have utterly won my husband, 
Jupiter, from me. He gives ir.e but cold looks and impa- 
tient words now. 

Others. Oh, no ! ' 



A RUMPUS ON OLYMPUS J 

Juno {sadly). Ah, yes. ( With sudden pride she 
straightens up). But I will not have it so. Am I not 
Queen of Heaven ? 

Others {bowing). You are, Majesty. 

(Terpsichore goes backward, bowing, and exit, r.) 

Juno. It is not for me, the Queen, to submit silently to 
such injustice as Jupiter hath now put upon me. Some 
wicked, pilfering earthworm from below, some human woman, 
has enchained his wandering fancy. 

Hebe. Weep not, our beloved Queen. 'Tis but a pass- 
ing desire, for what mere daughter of earth can compare 
with our beauteous Juno ? 

Juno. But he comes from earth so cold, so captious, 
even critical of me, his wife. Could I but know what 
charms these mortal women have, and how I fail 1 

Minerva. Oh, Queen Juno, I have a suggestion. 

Juno {turning eagerly toward her). What now have 
you to offer, wise Minerva ? Speak, for Jupiter is like to 
turn my reason. 

Minerva {leanitig forward triutnphantly). Let us de- 
scend to earth and learn what we must fear from these, our 
rivals, and add their power to our Olympian charms. 

Juno. Send to earth ! Oh, what would Jupiter say? 

Hebe. But whom could we send ? 

Venus. Why not commission Cupid, for he certainly 
hath a discerning eye for earthly charms. 

Hebe. Cupid ! He would himself be so enslaved, 'tis 
doubtful if he would return at all. {Sound of airship's 
propeller outside, or the honk of an automobile horn.) 
Hark ! What was that ? But, see ! Terpsichore comes 
running ! 

{Enter Terpsichore, r., in great excitement.) 

Terpsichore. Oh, listen ! The strangest thing hath 
happened ! I know not whether to laugh, or be afraid, or 
what to do. Some strange creature, in a strange con- 
trivance, hath appeared in a cloud near by, and it comes 
hither ! {Cowers behind Diana, r.) 

Diana {swaggering). Fear not. If 'twere the wildest 
boar, 'twould be but sport to me. 

Juno {eagerly). Tell us how it looks. 



8 A RUMPUS ON OLYMPUS 

Terpsichore {emerging, from behind Diana, and coming 
down R.). Well — great Juno — it hath eyes and nose — and 
all the features of the face 

Juno. Arms and legs ? 

Terpsichore. Well, of that I'm not so sure. It moves 
about and waves what might be arms and legs, but it is all 
covered up in strange tight wrappings. What might be feet 
are like unto hoofs, but draperies like drooping wings hide 
them from view. 

JUNO {rnajestically). Continue ! 

Terpsichore. And on its head is something terrible of 
fur and fruit and little birds, and over that some veilings 
that mercifully almost hide it. 

Minerva [down l. ). Doth the creature speak ? 

Terpsichore. Yes, it said {mimicking), "■ My word ! 
What next?" 

Minerva (musing). Could it indeed be a mortal? 

Juno. It may be. Go, bring it here, Diana. Ladies, 
cease your babel, lest you frighten it. (^Exit Diana, r.) 
Conspire with me to lend it ease and a peaceful mind in our 
august presence, else we might not learn the creature at its 
best. Remain about me and be silent. 

Mrs. Gordon Towne-Louden [heard outside). Really, 
my good woman, this is too annoying ! (^Enters, R., and 
comes down, c. ; Diana moves up, r.) On my way to the 
reception of the year, you might say, my airship breaks 
down and I find myself stranded in this out-of-the-way place 
while my girl Katrina parachutes back for some stupid little 
screw or something. Most annoying, I'm sure ! 

Juno (iviih dignity). Woman, peace ! Who are you ? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. (raising lorgnette and moving up c. to 
inspect Juno). Indeed, and who are you ? Physical cul- 
ture class? Or possibly dancing of the modern barefoot 
variety ? Really, quite out of fashion, you know, now, in 
all the best families. 

Juno. Are you then of earth ? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Of earth ? Well, certainly not yet of 
heaven, like you ladies. (Produces card with an air.) The 
Mrs. Gordon Towne-Louden, you understand. (Hands 
card to Juno, 7ejho looks at the back of it and drops it 
disdainfully.) But you are quite right to inquire. (Loftily.) 
One never knows whom one is meeting these days. And 
you are — er ? (Moves again doivn c.) 



A RUMPUS ON OLYMPUS q 

Juno (Jiaughiily). 1 am Queen Juno — and these are my 
ladies. 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Ah, of the nobility. {Acquires more 
tnanner.) The Gordon Towne-Loudens, too, may lay 
claim to noble blood. [In important narrative style.') In 
nineteen hundred, my third cousin's wife was much admired 
by the Earl of 

Juno {interrupting). Do all the women of the earth 
look like you ? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. {looking consciously pleased^. No, I 
can't say that they do. Few have my smart style, and my 
masseuse says that 

Juno. What is that on your head ? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Oh, that is rather good, you know. 
Right from Poiret ! His name is in the lining. {Takes off 
hat and going up c. hands it to Juno. She puts it on back- 
wards and looks to goddesses for approval, hands it to them 
and they pass it back to Mrs. Gordon Towne-Louden, who 
retreats down c. ) I had to change the color of my hair to 
wear it, you know. Poiret himself said, "Madame, with 
that very distingu6 air of yours — nothing else would do." 
He really did ! {Laughs.) It isn't paid for yet. Worth 
built my frock, and when he saw this hat he said 

Juno {unheeding, and staring at her). Do all the women 
of the world wear what you do, or do you hide a pitiful 
deformity ? What are those things on your feet ? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Deformity! The idea! Is it possible 
that you are wearing flat heels up here ? ( Walks up and down 
the stage displaying her shoes.) You are behind the limes. 

Juno. Behind the times ? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. {stopping down u.). Yes, out of date. 
Pardon me, but in our world even Venus herself would be a 
wallflower if she weren't right up to the top notch. 

Venus {tossing her head). A wallflower? Well, I like 
that ! 

Juno. This being up to date — I like it not — but if Jupi- 
ter Tell me, woman, our royal robes are — what? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Off decidedly ! Why, they would never 
take you into the hotels in our world. But have you never 
been there? 

Juno. No, but I am going with my ladies ere long. 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Sightseeing tour, I presume? Well, our 
new city hall 



10 A RUMPUS ON OLYMPUS 

Juno. I crave to see more creatures like yourself — al- 
though I do confess the sight doth raise my anger. Thun- 
der and lightning I can stand, but 

Minerva (<// Juno's left, in an aside). 'Twere best not 
to offend her, noble queen. 

Juno (replying). 'Tis so, wise Minerva. (^To Mrs. 
Gordon Towne-Louden.) Woman, sit down ! Hebe, 
bring refreshment. 

(Exit Hebe, r.) 

Mrs. G. T.-L. (sitting down r.). Thanks awfully. 
How I long for tea. (She removes gloves, gets out vanity 
box, powders her nose as she talks, to amazement of god- 
desses.) So you really think of taking a trip below? 
You've acquaintances there, I suppose ? 

Juno. None but thee — a soiry sample, too. (Minerva 
nudges her.) But I'd permit thee to bring thy friends to me 
that I might view them. 

Mrs. G. T.-L. (slozvly). Ah, I see. Thanks awfully. 
Well — of course, I'd love to introduce you to my set, but it 
would be a little difficult, you know. Still with plenty of 
money and very discreet management you might get some 
sort of social recognition. There is a set that goes in for 
literature, low heels, art, queer clothes, that sort of thing, 
don't you know, but you wouldn't want to be with them. 

Juno. Are you like that ? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. I? Why, we don't know such people. You 
understand, it doesn't really matter who you are here in 
Olympus if tliey've never heard of you in our set I 

Juno. Oh ! 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Yes, and really, as a woman of the world, 
I would advise you to try to get in. 

Juno. Well, that hardly pleases me. I understand but 
little of thy parrot chattering, and perhaps would learn but 
little from others like thee. But couldst only tell me what 
charm the earth holds for my Jupiter ! 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Jupiter? Your husband, I assume? 
And he has been visiting our world? (With immense sig- 
nificance.) Ah, I begin to see. Why, 1 understand your 
feelings perfectly. But, even so, if you'll permit me, your 
plan of visiting our world seems to me highly impractical. 
Now, while of course it would do no harm to make a quiet 
liule visit, I 



A RUMPUS ON OLYMPUS H 

Juno. Peace, woman ! 'Tvvould not be tlius that I 
would undertake it. In a great black cloud, while forked 
hghtning tore the air and thunder roared, 1 would descend ; 
and consternation spreading I'd seek the fairest among the 
puny worldlings ; change them into shapes that Jupiter loves 
not ; a cow, a satyr, a fountain — aye, destroy them, even ! 
Aye, 'twould please me well ! 

Mrs. G. T.-L. {(irily). That would be very crude, — 
bad form, I assure you. We don't do those things at all. 

Juno {irately). What dost thou, then, to minions who 
play not fair ? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. We cut them dead. {Rises.) 

Juno. Cut them dead ! Why, that's murder. 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Oh, no. It's a form of speech. You 
just look at them as if you di<ln't know they were there. 

Juno. Why, Jupiter does that to me. 

Mrs. G. L.-T. {chuckling). Do you know, dear lady, I 
think you make too much of this visit of Jupiter's. You 
goddesses are so delightfully simple. Now my experience 
has taught me never to take things too seriously. 1 keep 
myself amused. I cultivate a happy frame of mind. I 
overlook all I can. It's a great mistake to quarrel with 
one's husband, unless, indeed, one has means of one's own. 
Above all, I never complain. It's bad form, really. Now 
my first husband 

Minerva. The little worldling hath talked in riddles, but 
in this I see much wisdom. 

(^Enter Hebe, r., with a great urn, which she passes around 
to Juno andyivs. Gordon Town e- Loud en _/?;-j/.) 

Juno. But still I ponder on the charm which the earth 
holds and I have not. Tell me, woman, hast other wisdom 
of thy kind, which thou can give me ? I'll not punish thee 
for truth ! 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Sweet of you, I'm sure. Well, I might 
suggest, ever so delicately, that in our world it is consid- 
ered, — how shall I say it, — a trifle outre to show such vio- 
lent feeling. That militant attitude doesn't go, in our smart 
circles, and the men find it anything but fascinating. 

Venus. Really, you know, this is most interesting. 

Mrs. G. T.-L. {going up c, closer to throne, becom- 
ing a little confidential). If you're going to have violent 
opinions, keep them to yourself. In fact, it's best to let the 



12 A RUMPUS ON OLYMPUS 

men have all the opinions when they are around, anyway. 
Then that dear dehghtful habit you have of speaking in 
blank verse. It's quaint — but not chic. 

Juno. But how shall we talk? 

Mus. G. T.-L. Small talk is nmch more fetching. Too 
had you can't go to some good finishing school and get that 
distinguished air of not knowing too much, and then have a 
season in Paris to lose that — well, Goddess-of-Liberty look. 
(^Goes up to throne and leans on it. ) And if you could ac- 
quire a little worldly touch of frivolity — ^just be a little more 
unbending. You know the dear things just hate formality. 

Venus. That's right — that's right. I'm always telling 
them that. 

Juno {slowly). I think I see. Let me practice. (^Mim- 
ics ^v^s. Gordon TowNE-LouDEN.) The best families keep 
right up to date. Most annoying, I'm sure, if you aren't in 
the right set. (^Business as though with lorgnette.') 

Mrs. G. T.-L. {admiringly). That's the way ! You 
are learning beautifully. Before long you'll make things 
hum here. If your clothes only fitted the part! {Taking 
Diana, l., by the shoulders, she marches her down R., and 
proceeds to rearran'^e her costufne, Juno watching absorb- 
edly. Stands off (o admire the effect.) That doesn't work 
very well, somehow. I wish I had some woman's magazine 
to get suggestions from. 

juNO. What's a woman's magazine? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Why, it's a paper, about clothes mostly, 
and articles on how to please your husbands. 

Juno {eagerly). I must have one, then ! ( With a ma- 
jestic air). I can command from earth anything I desire. 

Terpsichore {aside). Except Jupiter ! 

Mrs. G. T.-L. {not noticing the interruption). Is that 
so? Well, set about it, then, and wish me up the latest one. 

Juno (magnijicently). Latest of the woman's magazines, 
come hither from earth ! 

{All stand expectant. A low note is heard growing louder 
and nearer until it reaches a shriek, when a copy of a 
magazine tvith a vivid cover falls doivn from above, R.) 

Mrs. G. T.-L: Well, I must say ! How convenient ! I 
just wish I could command celebrities to my parties like 
that. 



A RUMPUS ON OLYMPUS I3 

( Goddesses pick up the magazine and read it eagerly, not 
heeding Mrs. Gordon Towne-Louden's attempts to 
get it.) 

Minerva (curiously). This creature here is like thee, 
lady. She hath thy cloven feet. 

[Looks down a/ Mrs. Gordon Towne-Louden's/<?<?A) 

Venus. Oh, is that all her own hair? 

Hebe [crowding closer). And what is that behind her? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. {looking). What? Oh, that is a man. 

Juno (peering from her throne at the magazine^. If my 
Jupiter were only like that ! 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Well, from what you say about your hus- 
band, it seems to me he acts just like a man. 

( Goddesses turn the pages of the magazine and discover the 
fashion pictures within.') 

Minerva. Here appear lo be examples of what we want. 
But what mean these black things here? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Let me see. {Adjusts lorgnette, reads ; 
up R. ; goddesses grouped doivti c.) Pattern number 17,962. 
This charming afternoon gown is most effective with the 
popular wide (or narrow) skirt of deep blue velvet ; vest of 

like material [Breaking off suddenly, she looks at 

Juno.) Really, you'd look stunning in that, Juno. 

Juno. Where? Let me see it. 

{Comes down from the throne to Mrs. Gordon Towne- 
Louden, r.) 

Venus {down c). Oh, where's one that would do 
for me ? 

Hebe {eagerly). And me, too ! 

Minerva. Earth, it seems, has much to teach us. 

Mrs. G. T.-L. You're right there, take it from me. 
But we consider this magazine — well — ^just a little bourgeois 
for our set ! We get the new styles right from Paris. 

Minerva. This will suffice, however, for a beginning. 

{Enter Katrina, r., who touches her cap respectfully.) 
Katrina. The machine is ready, my lady. 



14 A RUMPUS ON OLYMPUS 

Mks. G. T.-L. Wait a minute, Katrina. I'm busy ad- 
vising these goddesses. You run along and talk to Jupiter. 

(^General consternation amo/ig the goddesses.) 

Juno {indignantly, resuming her throne). Indeed she 
shall not ! I've seen quite enough of his partiality for mor- 
tal maidens. 

Katrina. Well, what do you know about that ! But I'll 
not go, please, ma' am. I met Cupid out there and he's 
been whisperin' me a bit of a secret. I'll wait just outside. 

Mrs. G. T.-L. Wait a minute, Katrina. {To Juno.) 
I've missed the reception I was going to, anyway, but I have 
the best idea ! I'll take you off to earth with me this min- 
ute — lots of room in the car ! 

Juno {rising from the throne, beivildered). But what 
will Jupiter do? 

Mrs. G. T.-L. He'll miss you, all right, and you'll be 
a real earth lady when you come back ! Good-bye, god- 
desses ! Come on, Katrina ! 

Juno. I believe you are right. {Steps down from throne 
and takes hand of Mrs. Gordon I'owne-Louden. To 
goddesses.) Farewell, and while I am gone study well that 
guide. {Points to magazitie.) When I return,. I want to 
find you all up to date. And then we will make things hum 
in Olympus — take it from me ! [Goes R.) 

Goddesses {laughing). Oh, we will! Believe me, etc. 

{Exeunt, R., Mrs. Gordon Towne-Louden, Juno and 
Katrina. All the goddesses look at each other.) 

Venus. Well, what do you know about that ! 

{They all laugh again and gather, c, about the magazine 
which Venus holds.) 



curtain 



Unusually Good Entertainments 

Read One or More of These Before Deciding on 
Your Next Program 

GRADUATION DAY AT AVOOD HILIi SCHOOI.. 

An Entertaininc-nt in Two Acts, by Ward Macauley. For six 
males and four females, with several minor parts. Time of 
playing, two hours. Modern costumes. Simple interior scenes; 
may be presented in a hall without scenery. The unusual com- 
bination of a real "entertainment," including music, recitations, 
etc., with an interesting love story. The graduation exercises 
include short speeches, recitations, songs, funny interruptions, 
and a comical speech by a country school trustee. Pnco, 15 
cents. 

EXAMINATION DAY AT WOOD HILL SCHOOL. 

An Entertainment in One Act, by Wakd Macauley. Eight male 
and six female characters, with minor parts. Plays one hour. 
Scene, an easy interior, or may be given without scenery. Cos- 
tumes, modern. Miss Marks, the teacher, refuses to marry a 
trustee, who threatens to discharge her. The examination in- 
cludes recitations and songs, and brings out many funny answers 
to questions. At the close Robert Coleman, an old lover, claims 
the teacher. Very easy and very effective. Price, 15 cents. 

BACK TO THE COUNTRY STORE. A Rural Enter- 
tainment in Three Acts, by Ward Macauley. For four male 
and five female characters, with some supers. Time, two hours. 
Two scenes, both easy interiors. Can be played effectively with- 
out scenery. Costumes, modern. All the principal parts are 
sure hits. Quigley Higginbotham, known as "Quig," a clerk in 
a country store, aspires to be a great author or singer and 
decides to try his fortunes in New York. The last scene is in 
Quig's home. He returns a failure but is offered a partnership 
in the country store. He pops the question in the midst of a 
surprise party given in his honor. Easy to do and very funny. 
Price, 15 cents. 

THE DISTRICT CONVENTION. A Farcical Sketch 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. For eleven males and one 
female, or twelve males. Any number of other parts or super- 
numeraries may be added. Plays forty-five minutes. No special 
scenery is required, and the costumes and properties are all 
easy. The play shows an uproarious political nominating con- 
vention. The climax comes when a woman's rights cham- 
pion, captures the convention. There is a great chance to bur- 
lesque modern politics and to work in local gags. Every 
part will make a hit. Price, 15 cents. 

SI SLOCUM'S COUNTRY STORE. An Entertainment 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. Eleven male and five female 
characters with supernumeraries. Several parts may be doubled. 
Plays one hour. Interior scene, or may be played without set 
scenery. Costumes, modern. The rehearsal for an entertain-' 
ment in the village church gives plenty of opportunity for 
specialty work. A very jolly entertainment of the sort adapted 
to almost any place or occasion. Price, 15 cents. 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



Unusually Good Entertainments 

Read One or More of These Before Deciding on 
Your Next Program 

A SURPRISE PARTY AT BRINKLEY'S. An En- 
tertainment in One Scene, by Ward Macauley. Seven male and 
seven female characters. Interior scene, or may be given with- 
out scenery. Costumes, modern. Time, one hour. By the 
author of the popular successes, "Graduation Day at Wood Hill 
School," "Back to the Country Store," etc. The villagers have 
planned a birthday surprise party for Mary Brinkley, recently 
graduated from college. They all join in jolly games, songs, 
conundrums, etc., and Mary becomes engaged, v^fhich surprises 
the surprisers. The entertainment is a sure success. Price, 15 centSv 

JONES VS. JINKS. A Mock Trial in One Act, by 
Edward Mumford. Fifteen male and six female characters, with 
supernumeraries if desired. May be played all male. Many of the 
parts (members of the jury, etc.) are small. Scene, a simple 
interior ; may be played without scenery. Costumes, modern. 
Time of playing, one hour. This mock trial has many novel 
features, unusual characters and quick action. Nearly every 
character has a funny entrance and laughable lines. There are 
many rich parts, and fast fun throughout. Price, IS cents. 

THE SIGHT-SEEING CAR. A Comedy Sketch in One 

Act, Iw Eknest M. Gould. For seven males, two females, or 
may be all male. Parts may be doubled, with quick changes, so 
that four persons may play the sketch. Time, forty-five minutes. 
Simple street scene. Costumes, modern. The superintendent 
of a sight-seeing automobile engages two men to run the 
machine. A Jew, a farmer, a fat lady and other humorous 
characters give them all kinds of trouble. This is a regular gat- 
ling-guu stream of rollicking repartee. Price, 15 cents. 

THE CASE OF SMYTHE VS. SMITH. An Original 
Mock Trial in One Act, by Frank Dumont. Eighteen males 
and two females, or may be all male. Plays about one hour. 
Scene, a county courtroom ; requires no scenery ; may be played 
in an ordinary hall. Costumes, modern. This entertainment is 
nearly perfect of its kind, and a sure success. It can be easily 
produced in any place or on any occasion, and provides almost 
any number of good parts. Price, 15 cents. 

THE OLD MAIDS' ASSOCIATION. A Farcical Enter-* 
tainment in One Act, by Louise Latham Wilson. For thirteen 
females and one male. The male part may be played by a 
female, and the number of characters increased to twenty or 
more. Time, forty minutes. The play requires neither scenery 
nor properties, and very little in the way of costumes. Can 
easily be prepared in one or two rehearsals. Price, 25 cents. 

BARGAIN DAY AT BLOOMSTEIN'3. A Farcical 
Entertainment in One Act, by Edward Mumford. For five males 
and ten females, with supers. Interior scene. Costumes, mod- 
ern. Time, thirty minutes. The characters and the situations 
M'hich arise from their endeavors to buy and sell make rapid-fire 
fun from start to finish. Price, 15 cents. 

THE P£NN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



Successful Plays for All Girls 

In Selecting Your Next Play Do Not Overlook This List 

YOUNG DOCTOR DEVINE. A Farce in Two Acts. 
by Mrs. E. J. H. Goodfellow. One of the most popular 
plays for girls. For nine female characters. Time in 
playing, thirty minutes. Scenery, ordinary interior. Mod- 
ern costumes. Girls in a boarding-school, learning that a 
young doctor is coming to vaccinate all the pupils, eagerly con- 
sult each other as to the manner of fascinating the physician. 
When the doctor appears upon the scene the pupils discover that 
the physician is a female practitioner. Price, 15 cents. 

SISTER MASONS. A Burlesque in One Act, by Frank 
'DuMONT. For eleven females. Time, thirty minutes. Costumes, 
fantastic gowns, or dominoes. Scene, interior. A grand expose 
of Masonry. Some women profess to learn the secrets of a 
Masonic lodge by hearing their husbands talk in their sleep, 
and they institute a similar organization. Price, 15 cents. 

A COMMANDING POSITION. A Farcical Enter- 
tainment, by Amelia Sanford. For seven female char- 
acters and ten or more other ladies and children. Time, one 
hour. Costumes, modern. Scenes, easy interiors and one street 
scene. Marian Young gets tired living with her aunt, Miss 
Skinflint. S"he decides to "attain a commanding positioai." 
Marian tries hospital nursing, college settlement work and 
school teaching, but decides to go back to housework. Price, 15 
cents. 

HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET. A Comedy 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. For ten female characters. 
Time, half an hour. Scene, an easy interior. Costumes, modern. 
Mabel Sweetly has just become engaged to Harold, but it's "the 
deepest kind of a secret." Before announcing it they must win 
the approval of Harold's uncle, now in Europe, or lose a possible 
ten thousand a year. At a tea Mabel meets her dearest friend. 
Maude sees Mabel has a secret, she coaxes and Mabel tells her. 
But Maude lets out the secret in a few minutes to another 
friend and so the secret travels. Price, 15 cents. 

THE OXFORD AFFAIR. A Comedy in Three Acts, 
by Josephine H. Cobb and Jennie E. Paine. For eight female 
characters. Plays one hour and three-quarters. Scenes, inter- 
iors at a seaside hotel. Costumes, modern. The action of the 
play is located at a summer resort. Alice Graham, in order to 
chaperon herself, poses as a widow, and Miss Oxford first claims 
her as a sister-in-law, then denounces her. The onerous duties 
of Miss Oxford, who attempts to serve as chaperon to Miss 
Howe and Miss Ashton in the face of many obstacles, furnish 
an evening of rare enjoyment. Price 15 cents. 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF 
ELOCUTION AND ORATORY 

Parkway Building Philadelphia 



